MLB

Top 10 Moments In World Series History

1 of 11

The Importance of Epic World Series Moments

World Series
Image Courtesy of @Iconic_Sports

Unlike most other major sports, the game of baseball is almost as popular for its history as anything that is actually going on presently. After all every kid in baseball knows who Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth are, despite the fact that neither has played in at least 37 years. In fact it would not be a stretch to say that historical figures within the game are more popular and well known than even the biggest figures in the game today, such as Derek Jeter, Miguel Cabrera or Mike Trout.

Of course there can be downfalls to relying on history so much -- after all the Steroid Era did not look good for MLB -- but ultimately the game's history helps to grow the allure of the game to children around the world. This allure has been played out on little league diamonds around the globe, as kids play baseball until dusk with every pitch feeling like there are two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series.

The basis for these moments being played out comes from real moments throughout the history of baseball which almost brought time to a standstill, leaving a permanent image in the heads of fans. No other sport can claim to even approach the nostalgia that baseball brings upon people around the world, and this value of history is what begins to make baseball the best sport in the world.

With this in mind -- and the 2013 World Series due to start on Wednesday -- we have compiled a list of the top 10 moments in MLB World Series History.

Enjoy!

2 of 11

10. Roger Clemens Throws Bat At Mike Piazza

World Series
Image Courtesy of @Iconic_Sports

When the New York Yankees and New York Mets faced off in the Subway Series in 2000 there was no doubting that some sparks would fly. After all when the teams met in July there was nearly a brawl, as Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens hit Mets star catcher Mike Piazza in the head. This made it a must-watch when the two faced off in the bottom of the first inning of Game 2. What happened stunned even the most battle hardened fan, as Clemens threw a broken bat out of play down the first base line, only missing Piazza because he stopped when the ball went foul. Again a brawl almost ensued, although Piazza miraculously was able to keep himself from going to blows with Clemens.

3 of 11

9. Kirby Puckett Hits Walk-Off Home Run To Force Game 7 of 1991 World Series

World Series
Dugout Legends Facebook

When Kirby Puckett came to bat in the bottom of the 11th inning of a 3-3 game between his Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves it was nearly impossible to predict what would occur. In the previous five games the two teams had played nearly equal ball, beginning what has been described as the best World Series ever. This reputation got a boost when Puckett hit a home run into left center field, enabling the Twins to advance to Game 7 and ultimately win the 1991 World Series.

4 of 11

8. Kirk Gibson Comes Off Bench To Win Game 1 of 1988 World Series

World Series
Kirk Gibson Facebook

When Tommy Lasorda sent a limping Kirk Gibson to the plate to face Dennis Eckersley in the ninth inning with his Los Angeles Dodgers trailing the Oakland A's 4-3 people thought he was crazy. Gibson made him look like an utter genius, though, as he hit a two-run home run to win Game 1 of the 1988 World Series and momentarily make time slow down.

5 of 11

7. Yogi Berra Leaps Into Don Larsen's Arms After His Perfect Game

World Series
Image Courtesy of @Iconic_Sports

When New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen threw a perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series many people could have reasonably asked themselves if they were dreaming. After all Larsen was a career journeyman, and no player in baseball history had every thrown a no hitter in the playoffs, let alone a perfect game. The game was capped off by catcher Yogi Berra emphatically leaping into Larsen's arms, sparking an image that will live on forever.

6 of 11

6. Carlton Fisk Waves Ball To Be Home Run

World Series
Image Courtesy of @Iconic_Sports

When Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk lifted a high fly ball in the bottom of the 12th inning in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series many expected the ball to land foul. Apparently no one thought this more than Fisk, as he waved his arms toward fair territory, pleading with the ball to follow his wishes. The ball complied, hitting the foul pole, and Fisk was automatically placed in baseball lore.

7 of 11

5. Joe Carter Wins 1993 World Series With Walk-Off Home Run

World Series
Jack Morris Facebook

As Joe Carter sprinted around the bases after hitting a walk-off home run to win the 1993 World Series the excitement at Rogers Centre was palpable. No one was more excited than Carter who literally could not stay on the ground until his Toronto Blue Jays teammates mobbed him at home plate.

8 of 11

4. Bill Mazeroski Wins 1960 World Series With Walk-Off Home Run

World Series
Image Courtesy of @Iconic_Sports

When Bill Mazeroski capped off an epic seven game 1960 World Series between his Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees with a walk-off home run there was no containing the melee that ensued, as fans ran onto the field to help the second baseman round the bases. Mazeroski's home run is still the only walk-off home run in Game 7 of a World Series ever.

9 of 11

3. Mookie Wilson Hits Ball Through Bill Buckner's Legs

World Series
The Old New York Page Facebook

In what stands as arguably the most infamous play in the history of baseball Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner let a Mookie Wilson ground ball go through his legs to spark an epic comeback for the New York Mets in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. The Mets would go on to win Game 7 and the World Series, and in turn establish Buckner's place in sports lore.

10 of 11

2. Willie Mays Makes "The Catch"

World Series
Image Courtesy of @AmazingSprtsPic

It is not often that a defensive catch finds its way into iconic moments in World Series history, but New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays was able to make it happen in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series. The play occurred when Vic Wertz hit a fly ball to deep center field -- The Polo Grounds center field extended to roughly 480 feet -- and Mays miraculously tracked it down with an over the head basket catch, in turn taking the wind out of the sails of a Cleveland Indians rally. The grab would go on to be known simply as "The Catch", and it would become a moment that defined baseball history.

11 of 11

1. Babe Ruth Calls His Shot

World Series
Image Courtesy of @HistoricalPics

No athlete in sporting history has ever matched up to the stature and stardom that New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth has received both before and after his playing career. Much of this fame came from his so-called called shot, which occurred when Ruth pointed towards center field in the fifth inning of Game 3 of the 1932 World Series and hit a ball over the fence in center field on the next pitch. The home run would go on to be mentioned in nearly all facets of American pop culture and further cement the Chicago Cubs' inability to win the World Series.

Share Tweet